TOWN COUNCIL MEETING OPENING REMARKS: DECEMBER 13, 2022
(The following remarks were delivered by Mayor Brindle at the December 13, 2022 Town Council meeting.)
Good evening, and thanks to everyone who is joining us tonight here in Town Hall. Unfortunately, we are experiencing technical difficulties this evening with Facebook Live, but we will post a recording of the meeting after it concludes. As always, the replay will also be available afterwards on Facebook, YouTube, and TV 36.
ONE WESTFIELD PLACE INFORMATIONThanks to everyone who has attended the recent information sessions on Traffic Mitigation and The Future of Office Space, as well as the very productive ward-specific sessions at the One Westfield Place Preview Center.
Please mark your calendars for the next round of information sessions throughout December: - Planning and Design: Discussion of land use, proposed scale, and overall aesthetics and design (this Thursday, December 15, 6:00 PM)
- Financial Details: Discussion of the proposed financial structure, the PILOT program, and related public improvements (Monday, December 19, 6:30 PM, on Facebook Live). This date was originally reserved for the Wellness and Sustainability information session, but in response to the many questions we’ve received, we want to make the financial details of the proposal available to the public sooner rather than later.
We recognize it’s getting close to the holidays and it’s a very busy time of year, which is why this will be the first of two Facebook Live events on this topic – the second to be held on January 11 – in addition to a public presentation to the Council after the holidays. In each of these finance presentations, I’ll be joined by Finance Committee Chair Councilwoman Habgood, as well as our redevelopment finance professional Bob Powell, legal counsel Steve Mlenak, and bond counsel Matt Jessup. As always, you can submit a question in advance on our website, and the replay will remain available on the Town’s Facebook page if you are unable to attend on Monday night.
In addition to information sessions and visiting the Preview Center, I wanted to make you aware of additional information that is now available online.
On the One Westfield Place website:On the Town website and Facebook page:- The replay of last night’s Facebook Live session on Traffic Mitigation
- More FAQs about traffic, parking, and school impact in response to residents’ questions
I want to thank everyone who is taking the time to educate themselves about the details of this proposed development. Regardless of where you fall on the spectrum of support, it’s important that you hear the facts directly from the experts in order to form your own opinions. Our top priority is for you to have the facts so that your feedback is credible and can better inform the evolution of this project through the robust public input process.
HOLIDAY SEASON EVENTSMenorah LightingPlease be sure to join us for the Menorah Lighting on December 18 at 4:30 at the North Avenue Train Station to celebrate Hanukkah with Rabbi Block of the Union County Torah Center-Chabad!
DWC Holiday Events
As always, the DWC has many events planned to celebrate this festive time of year, including Westfield Winter Wonderland Activities on December 18 in Foundation Park, Hanukkah Hoopla (December 18 - 23), Kwanzaa Fun (December 26 and 28), the Miracle on Elm Street Weekly Gift Card Giveaways, holiday music throughout Downtown Westfield on December 18, outdoor fire pits, and more. Some events require advance registration – be sure to visit the DWC’s website for full details.
Santa Convoy
Thanks to our Police Department, Fire Department, Volunteer Rescue Squad, and Department of Public Works for launching our first-ever Santa Convoy this Saturday, December 17, when Santa will drive around Westfield to hand out candy canes to children. The Santa Convoy will be driving around the north side of Town from 9:30 - 12:30, and on the south side from 1:00 - 4:00. The specific routes will be shared by the Police Department shortly.
Westfield Community Concert Band Holiday Concert
The Westfield Recreation Department will host its 32th Annual Holiday Concert featuring the Westfield Community Concert Band and the Edison Intermediate School Broadway Singers on Friday, December 16, at 7:30 p.m. at Edison Intermediate School. This free public concert culminates the band’s 110th anniversary concert season!
Holiday Light Contest
Does your house have the most holiday spirit? Join us for the Town-wide Holiday Light Contest! Registration is open until December 15 using your CivicRec account through the Recreation Department. Online voting will take place from December 16 through December 26. For full details, visit our website.
And of course, don’t forget to shop local this holiday season and support our small businesses! Once again, free holiday parking for shoppers is available through January 1 for pay station lots and street meters (hourly restrictions still apply).
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Although Town business is certainly keeping us busy through the end of the year, the next time we’ll gather here for an official Town Council meeting is our Annual Reorganization Meeting on Tuesday, January 3. There’s much to do between now and then, and I look forward to seeing you all here next month to review a very successful 2022 and communicate our goals for 2023 and beyond.
On behalf of the town administration and this Town Council, we wish you and your family peace, health, and happiness this holiday season.
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